Attorney

Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Department Name: Office of General Counsel (OGC)
Program Area: Resource Management Division (RMD)
Looking for a rewarding career and growth opportunity? The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is seeking highly engaged talent to assist us in our mission to protect and restore the environment and foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations. Come be a part of our great team for change! Learn more at: https://www.env.nm.gov/
As a valued new employee to the NMED, you will receive five (5) full days of leave in your leave balances right from your start date.
Why does the job exist?
The purpose of the position is to provide direct legal services to NMED's Divisions and Bureaus including but not limited to legal representation in administrative and judicial proceedings; counseling and advising the Secretary, Directors, and Bureau Chiefs; negotiating settlements, drafting and reviewing legal documents, pleadings, regulations, policies, legislation and legal precedents; and analyzing and writing legal memos.
How does it get done?

• Provide legal advice, representation, and advocacy for Bureaus and programs including advice and representation regarding regulatory issues
• Provide advice regarding the interpretation of statutes, and a wide array of rules, and court orders
• Draft documents that are required for regulatory and compliance matters, including letters, memorandum, notices of violation, orders, and agreements
• Work closely with department personnel regarding agency procedures and practices and consult with Department management to ensure consistent and correct application of existing statutes and rules
• Advise management and staff regarding interpretation of court opinions, statutes, and rules where legal issues exist
• Work closely with Bureaus, industry, the public and affected agencies in developing or revising rules and regulations
• Represent Bureaus in rule-making proceedings before the Environmental Improvement Board and Water Quality Control Commission
• Represent the Department at all stages of administrative and judicial hearings, understand factual and legal issues requiring decisions as to strategy and tactics, conduct cross-examination of witnesses, present opening and closing statements, draft proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, and prepare and file briefs persuasively presenting the Department's legal positions
• Have familiarity with applicable procedural rules that govern the proceedings before the Department's hearing officer, the Environmental Improvement Board, the Water Quality Control Commission, and the courts

Who are the customers?

• New Mexicans to protect and restore the environment.
• Occasional contact with external Federal, State and Local regulatory bodies as well as contractors and environmental not for profit organizations.
• Contact with internal staff.

Ideal Candidate

• New Mexicans to protect and restore the environment.
• Occasional contact with external Federal, State and Local regulatory bodies as well as contractors and environmental not for profit organizations.
• Contact with internal staff.

Minimum Qualification
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license (Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA). For more information on limited practice licenses, please visit http://nmexam.org/limited-license/.
Employment Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited school of law. Licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license, which requires graduation from an accredited school of law, licensure (in good standing) in another state and sitting for the next eligible State Bar exam.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. This position is in a standard office setting and is required to travel to hearings and meetings.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Ray Romero, (505) 469-6471 or Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
For more information on how to apply, please check out the Application Guide: link
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.